Extra £500k help for young jobless – Evening Times | News

Extra £500k help for young jobless

A SCHEME offering training opportunities for all is up and running in Glasgow, with an extra £500,000 pledged to the city’s youth.

Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance has said that every 16 to 19-year-old in Scotland will be guaranteed an offer of a place in education or training, designed to get them into work.

Glasgow will receive £530,980 after the city was identified by the Scottish Government as having particular challenges with youth employment.

It brings Glasgow’s total share of the Scotland-wide £30 million investment to increase employability projects for young people – announced last year – to £3,371,000.

Ms Constance said: “We know how damaging unemployment can be on our young people, particularly if they’re unable to improve their employability or skills or build their experience.

“My message to young people is this: if you are not currently in education or have a training place, then help is available.

“Young people can find out more about opportunities in their area and how to take advantage of them by contacting their local Skills Development Scotland or Jobcentre Plus offices.

“We have published a Youth Employment Strategy which covers a range of activity across the public, private and voluntary sectors and have started to roll out investment from the additional £30m announced to back up this action.

“Securing a place in education or training will significantly improve youth employment prospects for the longer term and I would urge every 16 to 19-year-old in Scotland to take advantage of this unique offer.”